The Case of Becky

The Case of Becky is a 1921 American silent drama film based on a successful 1912 play written by David Belasco and Edward J. Locke, The Case of Becky.[2] Belasco also produced the play, which starred his muse, Frances Starr.

Not to be confused with The Case of Becky (1915 film).

The Case of Becky
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Directed byChester M. Franklin
Written byJ. Clarkson Miller
Based onThe Case of Becky
by Edward J. Locke and David Belasco
Produced byRealart Pictures
StarringConstance Binney
Montagu Love
Glenn Hunter
CinematographyGeorge J. Folsey
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • October 9, 1921 (1921-10-09)
Running time
60 minutes;[1] 6 reels (1675.79 meters)
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

The film was produced by Realart Pictures, directed by Chester M. Franklin, written by J. Clarkson Miller and released through Paramount Pictures. George J. Folsey was the cinematographer.[1][3][4]

The play was filmed earlier (in 1915) in a version starring Blanche Sweet, which emphasized the horror elements.[1]

Montagu Love went on to star in several other silent horror films, The Haunted House (1929) and The Cat Creeps (1930).

Plot

Dorothy Stone (Binney) is the step-daughter of barn-storming hypnotist Professor Balzamo (Love), who has used her as his subject since childhood. During his hypnosis act, she becomes her evil alter ego named Becky. Her mother's deathbed warning leads Dorothy to leave the hypnotist and she finds shelter in a small town with Mrs. Arnold (Jennings) and her son John (Hunter), who falls in love with her. When he gives her an engagement ring, the flashing stone induces a reversion to her evil personality. The famous psychologist Dr. Emerson (McCormack) diagnoses her case correctly and attempts a cure. The chance visit by the hypnotist results in a situation where Dorothy is permanently cured and learns that she is actually the daughter of the physician. After Balzamo commits suicide, there is a happy ending.[5]

Cast

Preservation status

A copy is held at UCLA Film and Television Archive. This film was formerly thought to be lost.[6]

References
  1. Workman, Christopher; Howarth, Troy (2016). Tome of Terror: Horror Films of the Silent Era. Midnight Marquee Press. pp. 232–233. ISBN 978-1936168-68-2.
  2. The Library of Congress American Silent Film Feature Survival Catalog: The Case of Becky" 1921 version
  3. Progressive Silent Film List: The Case of Becky at silentera.com
  4. The American Film Institute Catalog Feature Films: 1921-30 by The American Film Institute, c. 1971
  5. "Reviews: The Case of Becky". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 13 (16): 67. October 15, 1921.
  6. The Library of Congress/FIAF American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Case of Becky
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